2002 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2003 Acura RSX
To start off, 2003 Acura RSX is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Acura RSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Acura RSX (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe. (139 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Acura RSX should accelerate faster than 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 368 kg more than 2003 Acura RSX.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2003 Acura RSX (191 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Acura RSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe. 2003 Acura RSX has automatic transmission and 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe has manual transmission. 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Acura RSX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2003 Acura RSX | |
| Make | Hyundai | Acura |
| Model | Santa Fe | RSX |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1222 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 50 L |
